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Anna ThaynSan Juan Record Classifieds, Events, Businesses In Monticello, San Juan County, Utah

Feb 29, 2012 | 4159 views | 0 | 43 | |

The remodeling of Monticello High School is officially underway, as the San Juan School Board awarded a bid to Hughes General Contractors, of Salt Lake City, at the February 22 board meeting.

The bid for the project is nearly $2.4 million and features a new roof for the entire building and remodeling of the discovery center.

The project also includes replacing plumbing, wiring, ceilings, lights and windows, remodeling locker rooms, and installing new hall lockers and accoustical tile in the gymnasium.

District Business Administrator Clayton Holt reports that the new roof is a big project. There have been four additions to the building, making a new roof a complicated project.

The school will close the gym and locker room on May 1 in order for the contractor to begin work. Holt reports that the new wiring system in the high school will allow the school to install security cameras in the future. An asbestos abatement bid was awarded to Rockmont for $55,000.

Superintendant Doug Wright asked the board to consider an option toadjust the school calendar in 2012-13, specifically because of the Monticello Elementary remodeling project. The issue will be discussed at a later date.

In the expenditure and revenue report, Holt reported that utility costs at the new elementary school in Monument Valley are significantly lower than in the old Mexican Hat Elementary School.

Early projection is for a $100,000 annual savings on utilities, from approximately $160,000 to $60,000 a year. The power bill is now $5,000 a month. There is no gas bill, as well as virtually no water and sewer charges, which were $30,000 to $40,000 at the old school. Holt reports that the new building runs very well.

The board discussed the student fee schedule for secondary schools. Wright reminded the board that fees are not charged at elementary schools.

Fees will be changed in the following areas: $20 for cross country, golf and tennis and $5 for a locker fee for high schools and middle schools. The sports fees are raised $5 each, and the locker fee $2. Principals at the secondary schools agreed to the new fee schedule.

Board member Merri Shumway agreed to the sports fee increases, but questioned the need for locker fees.

Monticello High School Principal Scott Shakespeare reported that there is a cost for locks that are replaced every year. The majority of locks purchased are for use in the locker room. Students receive something back if the lock is returned at the end of the year.

Board member Bill Boyle said that some schools do not charge a locker fee, but having it in the schedule allows schools to charge the fee if needed. Shakespeare reported that money not used to purchase locks remains in the locker fee fund for future use.

Shumway suggested that lockers are part of the facility and students should not be charged to use them, suggesting a rental fee for locks that are returned in good condition.

Board member Debbie Christiansen said she has done the lock check out and check in, and the $5 fee is minimal for the amount of work involved. It was suggested that the locker fee be tracked to determine if a change is needed.

Holt suggested that sports fees are generally tracked very closely by coaches to make sure they are used properly. Shumway moved and the board approved tabling a decision on the fee changes until the next meeting.

In an effort to create a focus and allow the San Juan School District to ensure that time is spent on the things that are most important for the students and staff, the board established goals and priorities for the District Superintendant. The board renewed Superintendant Doug Wright’s contract for the next two years in a previous board meeting.

They outlined three major areas for Wright to focus on: leadership issues, instructional issues, and Native American issues.

Leadership issues include the administration, hiring and training of the highest-functioning leadership team possible.

Instructionl issues include curriculum, PLC models and delivering high quality instruction to students and insuring they are performing well.

Native American issues relates to heritage language programs, the Indian Education Committee, and efforts to fulfill legal obligations.

Superintendant Wright expressed thanks to the Board for their support in establishing a common vision that allow him to focus and make improvements in specific areas.

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